Gas-phase oxidation of phenol to dihydroxybenzenes (DHB) with nitrous oxide was performed over a set
of ZSM-5 zeolites steamed at different temperatures in the range from 550 to 750C. The best of the
catalysts demonstrated 70% N2O conversion and a more than 90% selectivity for DHB. However,
significant differences were observed in DHB isomer distribution and catalyst deactivation due to
changes in the acidity of the zeolites. The steaming procedure reduces the concentration of Bronsted acid
sites, thus allowing a decrease in coke loading. Simultaneously, a substantial decline in the molar ratio of
hydroquinone to catechol in the reaction products was observed, mainly due to the increased selectivity
to the ortho isomer – catechol. These results can be used to control the selectivity for different DHB
isomers in the title reaction by varying steaming severity.